In a message dated 2/23/01 4:21:25 PM US Eastern Standard Time,
NIPINFO(a)cdc.gov writes:
<< Subj: Misc gp
Date: 2/23/01 4:21:25 PM US Eastern Standard Time
From: NIPINFO(a)cdc.gov (NIPINFO)
Sender: wla2(a)cdc.gov (Atkinson, William (NIP))
To: jb502000(a)aol.com (Jack E. Briles)
There is no risk of smallpox, cholera, or any other disease, from bodies
buried for many years. The biggest risk is from tetanus. Be sure all your
workers have had a dose of tetanus toxoid in the last 10 years. This
organism is in the dirt, and has nothing to do with the movement of the
bodies.
William Atkinson, MD, MPH
National Immunization Program
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
-----Original Message-----
From: CDC Public Inquiry
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2001 4:13 PM
To: DBMD Information; NIPINFO
Subject: LLFW: Chlorea, or Smallpox
I am forwarding this request to you for your response.
Public Inquiries
LL
-----Original Message-----
From: jb502000(a)aol.com [mailto:jb502000@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 10:38 AM
To: inquiry(a)cdc.gov
Subject: Information Request
Message-ID: <002502238151621ACDC-ATL-WWW(a)www.cdc.gov>
Jack E. Briles
PO Box 444
New Albany, In.
47151-0444
(812) 282-6585
jb502000(a)aol.com
I have recieved 3 or 4 requests for information about the possibility of
Disease from the Soil during Probing for stones deepley in cemeteries,or in
the movement of Piobeer Cemeteries, the following will explain;
In Floyd County, Indiana we have at least 3 Pioneer Cemeteries being, or
planed to be moved. We have reason to belive some of these people having
died in a close period of time in the time frame of 1840 to 1865, may have
had Chlorea, or Smallpox. My Question, and the Concerns of others living in
very close proximity, is, Can the Spores or Diseases become infectious
again when exposed to the air after having been Dormant underground for at
least 150 years. We have heard of instances of one or two isolated cases
around the country that may have occoured because of this, and was blamed on
removing remains that showed signs of having died of Smallpox. Since moving
old Cemeteries like this doesn't happen but about once every 50 years we are
greatly concerned. No one in the Indiana Department of Health can answer
this question satisfactorily. We need an answer Immediately, because 2 more
Pioneer Cemeteries are being moved. We have no place else to turn. Can we
please get a response ASAP, We need to know if there is even a remote
possibility of problems. Thank You, Jack E. Briles